Hi there! I'm Shanisha, and my passion for a career in STEM, specifically in biochemistry and anthropology, deeply stems from personal experiences. These experiences are rooted in improving communities like the one I came from. What helps me stay motivated in this field is that someday it will profit more than just myself. Until then I am stuck in the financial pit that higher education leaves most of us to dig ourselves out of. As of right now and the past five years my parents have had to support my siblings and me through college by taking out loans and working overtime. In addition to this, all of my siblings and I work part-time in addition to being a full-time student. Although my financial situation is in a constant flow of uncertainty, and as stated before, someday achieving something bigger than myself helps me get up in the morning for classes and work. In addition to this, some obstacles I have had to overcome are physical and mental health related. Both have put financial pressure on my family and I, especially since I am a full-time student. My passion for biochemistry and anthropology is more than just a career choice; it's a commitment to understanding and addressing genetic health challenges. Witnessing my family members battle Alzheimer's and schizophrenia has fueled my determination to explore the blending of genetics and healthcare. These experiences have charged me with intense empathy to help out communities with people who are experiencing what I went through in my own family. Pursuing a degree in biochemistry and anthropology prepares me with the tools to approach this form of healthcare deficit in communities like mine. The "genetic healthcare" field represents not only a personal connection but also an opportunity to uplift these communities, especially those that already face additional barriers to accessing essential healthcare resources. My future goes beyond what I personally want for myself; it focuses on creating accessible and affordable genetic healthcare options for underserved communities. Having grown up in areas with limited healthcare resources, I understand the disparities that exist. My goal is to bridge this gap by leveraging STEM to enhance accessibility to genetic counseling and healthcare services. Earning a degree in biochemistry and anthropology will help me utilize my expertise to initiate community outreach programs, establish educational initiatives, and advocate for policy changes that prioritize genetic healthcare in marginalized areas. I believe that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves to reap the benefits of a growing scientific field. Ultimately, my pursuit of a STEM career is driven by a passion for making a lasting impact on communities. To build a future where genetic healthcare is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all. This scholarship will allow me to turn this vision into reality, ensuring that my journey in genetics and anthropology directly contributes to uplifting communities in need.

Hi there! I'm Shanisha, and my passion for a career in STEM, specifically in biochemistry and anthropology, deeply stems from personal experiences. These experiences are rooted in improving communities like the one I came from. What helps me stay motivated in this field is that someday it will profit more than just myself. Until then I am stuck in the financial pit that higher education leaves most of us to dig ourselves out of. As of right now and the past five years my parents have had to support my siblings and me through college by taking out loans and working overtime. In addition to this, all of my siblings and I work part-time in addition to being a full-time student. Although my financial situation is in a constant flow of uncertainty, and as stated before, someday achieving something bigger than myself helps me get up in the morning for classes and work. My passion for biochemistry and anthropology is more than just a career choice; it's a commitment to understanding and addressing genetic health challenges. Witnessing my family members battle Alzheimer's and schizophrenia has fueled my determination to explore the blending of genetics and healthcare. These experiences have charged me with intense empathy to help out communities with people who are experiencing what I went through in my own family. Pursuing a degree in biochemistry and anthropology prepares me with the tools to approach this form of healthcare deficit in communities like mine. The "genetic healthcare" field represents not only a personal connection but also an opportunity to uplift these communities, especially those that already face additional barriers to accessing essential healthcare resources. My future goes beyond what I personally want for myself; it focuses on creating accessible and affordable genetic healthcare options for underserved communities. Having grown up in areas with limited healthcare resources, I understand the disparities that exist. My goal is to bridge this gap by leveraging STEM to enhance accessibility to genetic counseling and healthcare services. Earning a degree in biochemistry and anthropology will help me utilize my expertise to initiate community outreach programs, establish educational initiatives, and advocate for policy changes that prioritize genetic healthcare in marginalized areas. I believe that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves to reap the benefits of a growing scientific field. Ultimately, my pursuit of a STEM career is driven by a passion for making a lasting impact on communities. To build a future where genetic healthcare is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all. This scholarship will allow me to turn this vision into reality, ensuring that my journey in genetics and anthropology directly contributes to uplifting communities in need.

Hi there! I'm Shanisha, and my passion for a career in STEM, specifically in biochemistry and anthropology, deeply stems from personal experiences. These experiences are rooted in improving communities like the one I came from. What helps me stay motivated in this field is that someday it will profit more than just myself. Until then I am stuck in the financial pit that higher education leaves most of us to dig ourselves out of. As of right now and the past five years my parents have had to support my siblings and me through college by taking out loans and working overtime. In addition to this, all of my siblings and I work part-time in addition to being a full-time student. Although my financial situation is in a constant flow of uncertainty, and as stated before, someday achieving something bigger than myself helps me get up in the morning for classes and work. My passion for biochemistry and anthropology is more than just a career choice; it's a commitment to understanding and addressing genetic health challenges. Witnessing my family members battle Alzheimer's and schizophrenia has fueled my determination to explore the blending of genetics and healthcare. These experiences have charged me with intense empathy to help out communities with people who are experiencing what I went through in my own family. Pursuing a degree in biochemistry and anthropology prepares me with the tools to approach this form of healthcare deficit in communities like mine. The "genetic healthcare" field represents not only a personal connection but also an opportunity to uplift these communities, especially those that already face additional barriers to accessing essential healthcare resources. My future goes beyond what I personally want for myself; it focuses on creating accessible and affordable genetic healthcare options for underserved communities. Having grown up in areas with limited healthcare resources, I understand the disparities that exist. My goal is to bridge this gap by leveraging STEM to enhance accessibility to genetic counseling and healthcare services. Earning a degree in biochemistry and anthropology will help me utilize my expertise to initiate community outreach programs, establish educational initiatives, and advocate for policy changes that prioritize genetic healthcare in marginalized areas. I believe that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves to reap the benefits of a growing scientific field. Ultimately, my pursuit of a STEM career is driven by a passion for making a lasting impact on communities. To build a future where genetic healthcare is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all. This scholarship will allow me to turn this vision into reality, ensuring that my journey in genetics and anthropology directly contributes to uplifting communities in need. A genuine start will be taking fewer shifts at work so I can be successful with my workload as well as not worrying about grocery/living costs.

Hi there! I'm Shanisha, and my passion for a career in STEAM, specifically in biochemistry and anthropology, deeply stems from personal experiences. These experiences are rooted in improving communities like the one I came from. What helps me stay motivated in this field is that someday it will profit more than just myself. Until then I am stuck in the financial pit that higher education leaves most of us to dig ourselves out of. As of right now and the past five years my parents have had to support my siblings and me through college by taking out loans and working overtime. In addition to this, all of my siblings and I work part-time in addition to being a full-time student. Although my financial situation is in a constant flow of uncertainty, and as stated before, someday achieving something bigger than myself helps me get up in the morning for classes and work. My passion for biochemistry and anthropology is more than just a career choice; it's a commitment to understanding and addressing genetic health challenges. Witnessing my family members battle Alzheimer's and schizophrenia has fueled my determination to explore the blending of genetics and healthcare. These experiences have charged me with intense empathy to help out communities with people who are experiencing what I went through in my own family. Pursuing a degree in biochemistry and anthropology prepares me with the tools to approach this form of healthcare deficit in communities like mine. The "genetic healthcare" field represents not only a personal connection but also an opportunity to uplift these communities, especially those that already face additional barriers to accessing essential healthcare resources. My future goes beyond what I personally want for myself; it focuses on creating accessible and affordable genetic healthcare options for underserved communities. Having grown up in areas with limited healthcare resources, I understand the disparities that exist. My goal is to bridge this gap by leveraging STEM to enhance accessibility to genetic counseling and healthcare services. Earning a degree in biochemistry and anthropology will help me utilize my expertise to initiate community outreach programs, establish educational initiatives, and advocate for policy changes that prioritize genetic healthcare in marginalized areas. I believe that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves to reap the benefits of a growing scientific field. Ultimately, my pursuit of a STEAM career is driven by a passion for making a lasting impact on communities. To build a future where genetic healthcare is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all. This scholarship will allow me to turn this vision into reality, ensuring that my journey in genetics and anthropology directly contributes to uplifting communities in need. A genuine start will be taking fewer shifts at work so I can be successful with my workload as well as not worrying about grocery/living costs.

Eating disorders. Too much to say about them but a trait worth illustrating is that they do take over lives if intense enough. It took over my life. It got intense enough. Suddenly, every side effect of an eating disorder hits you at once. Stress, anxiety, depression, and the worst part about it was everything came falling down within a semester. There's no perfect place for where it all starts. But what I can do is give some insight into the beginning of the end of an almost lifelong battle of mine. Long story short, I was put into a stressful situation financially AND unexpectedly at the beginning of my fall semester (2022). I had to take on a job while taking classes. I missed classes because I had to work more. I had to eat more because I was working more. And then I ate less. Because I knew I was gaining weight. And then I ate more. Because I was depressed I was gaining weight. I bought supplements so my body didn't crash on me. I knew that wasn't living though. Not locking myself in my dorm all day, refusing to eat and only leaving to go to work. I knew I had to fix this. This wasn't right. I didn’t deserve to treat my body like this. I didn’t deserve to have so many negative thoughts about myself. My family, who worked hard as a support system didn’t deserve a reality where I didn’t wake up one day because I secretly destroyed myself. I got help. I found resources to help me. Entered myself into different eating disorder recovery programs, one being a support group. Every day felt like a new day to make myself happy again. I was able to once again live the academic and social life I strived for. What I learned from my group therapy was: that I deserve to exist, excel, breathe the same air as others, owe it to myself to be happy with the decisions in my life, and be honest with myself. The following semester and today have only been an uphill climb in my recovery. I completed therapy last spring. Every day I am actively pursuing my dreams and passions in the healthcare and research field. In addition to these passing days, more of my character is shaped into the person I know already exists in the future. I carry with me not only the pain that I have endured but the self-motivation and determination that have allowed me to endure it. Going through such mental, emotional, and physical trials makes trying to pass a class somewhat easier. That being said, here is an insight into who I am in academia. I am a student double majoring in biochemistry and bioanthropology degree. Simply put, one part of my degree helps me understand how genes work while the helps me understand how different subtopics in genetics relate to different cultures and communities. Sure, there are many well-known genetic diseases - Down syndrome, sickle cell anemia, and many cancers- that are easily diagnosable. However, what about research for commonly known disorders? Or more importantly, what about accessibility to finding out this information about oneself? That's the passion and key to giving back to my community and many others alike. Integrating this type of healthcare into communities that already have a difficult time having accessible and affordable healthcare. Overall, giving communities the healthcare they deserve.

Eating disorders. Too much to say about them but a trait worth illustrating is that they do take over lives if intense enough. It took over my life. It got intense enough. Suddenly, every side effect of an eating disorder hits you at once. Stress, anxiety, depression, and the worst part about it was everything came falling down within a semester. There's no perfect place for where it all starts. But what I can do is start at the beginning of the end of an almost lifelong battle of mine. Long story short, I was put into a stressful situation financially AND unexpectedly at the beginning of my fall semester (2022). My university claimed to not receive loans I took out to pay for the semester. This was the first domino in my mental health collapse. Not only did I have to quit a research assistant position I recently got accepted to, I had to take on a part-time job (about 15 hours a week) while taking classes. I missed classes because I had to work more. I had to eat more because I was working more. And then I ate less. Because I knew I was gaining weight. And then I ate more. Because I was depressed I was gaining weight. I bought pills to make me less hungry or increase my metabolism. Anything to make my body bearable enough for me to keep working. The next thing I knew, it was November. Almost thanksgiving break. I locked myself in my single room, only to leave to go to work. It became a depression chamber instead of salvation from classes. I knew I had to fix this. This wasn't right. I didn’t deserve to treat my body like this. I didn’t deserve to have so many negative thoughts about myself. My family, who worked hard as a support system didn’t deserve a reality where I didn’t wake up one day because I secretly destroyed myself. I got help. I found resources to help me. Entered myself into different eating disorder recovery programs, one being a support group. I found that I was not alone in my struggles and negative/destructive thoughts. I felt like myself again. I felt like my voice mattered. Every day felt like a new day to make myself happy again. The following semester and today have only been an uphill climb in my recovery. I completed therapy in the spring. I have a social and academic life again. Not the kind where I was barely making it by, but where every day I am actively pursuing my dreams and passions. I have new friends. I even led an eating disorder support group this past summer. However, just because I completed therapy doesn't mean my mental health issues went away. Every day is a new battle to win within myself. Although it gets easier, triggers that may appear routinely are always there on my best and worst days. The absolute only thing I can do is to keep going. That is the advice I would give to someone facing similar circumstances. Keep going because you never know how far you'll truly get. Now, every day my mental health comes first. This may be in the form of taking longer on my hygiene routines and pampering myself, doing my hair, writing in my diary, crocheting, reading, or other hobbies. Ultimately, to be able to take even 30 minutes to decompress and focus on myself every day helps me remember that: tomorrow is a new day for me, so I better give her a present she’ll love.

Hi there! I'm Shanisha, and my passion for a career in STEM, specifically in biochemistry and anthropology, deeply stems from personal experiences. These experiences are rooted in improving communities like the one I came from. What helps me stay motivated in this field is that someday it will profit more than just myself. Until then I am stuck in the financial pit that higher education leaves most of us to dig ourselves out of. As of right now and the past five years my parents have had to support my siblings and me through college by taking out loans and working overtime. In addition to this, all of my siblings and I work part-time in addition to being a full-time student. Although my financial situation is in a constant flow of uncertainty, and as stated before, someday achieving something bigger than myself helps me get up in the morning for classes and work. My passion for biochemistry and anthropology is more than just a career choice; it's a commitment to understanding and addressing genetic health challenges. Witnessing my family members battle Alzheimer's and schizophrenia has fueled my determination to explore the blending of genetics and healthcare. These experiences have charged me with intense empathy to help out communities with people who are experiencing what I went through in my own family. Pursuing a degree in biochemistry and anthropology prepares me with the tools to approach this form of healthcare deficit in communities like mine. The "genetic healthcare" field represents not only a personal connection but also an opportunity to uplift these communities, especially those that already face additional barriers to accessing essential healthcare resources. My future goes beyond what I personally want for myself; it focuses on creating accessible and affordable genetic healthcare options for underserved communities. Having grown up in areas with limited healthcare resources, I understand the disparities that exist. My goal is to bridge this gap by leveraging STEM to enhance accessibility to genetic counseling and healthcare services. Earning a degree in biochemistry and anthropology will help me utilize my expertise to initiate community outreach programs, establish educational initiatives, and advocate for policy changes that prioritize genetic healthcare in marginalized areas. I believe that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves to reap the benefits of a growing scientific field. Ultimately, my pursuit of a STEM career is driven by a passion for making a lasting impact on communities. To build a future where genetic healthcare is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all. This scholarship will allow me to turn this vision into reality, ensuring that my journey in genetics and anthropology directly contributes to uplifting communities in need.

Hi there! I'm Shanisha, and my passion for a career in STEM, specifically in biochemistry and anthropology, deeply stems from personal experiences. These experiences are rooted in improving communities like the one I came from. What helps me stay motivated in this field is that someday it will profit more than just myself. Until then I am stuck in the financial pit that higher education leaves most of us to dig ourselves out of. As of right now and the past five years my parents have had to support my siblings and me through college by taking out loans and working overtime. In addition to this, all of my siblings and I work part-time in addition to being a full-time student. Although my financial situation is in a constant flow of uncertainty, and as stated before, someday achieving something bigger than myself helps me get up in the morning for classes and work. My passion for biochemistry and anthropology is more than just a career choice; it's a commitment to understanding and addressing genetic health challenges. Witnessing my family members battle Alzheimer's and schizophrenia has fueled my determination to explore the blending of genetics and healthcare. These experiences have charged me with intense empathy to help out communities with people who are experiencing what I went through in my own family. Pursuing a degree in biochemistry and anthropology prepares me with the tools to approach this form of healthcare deficit in communities like mine. The "genetic healthcare" field represents not only a personal connection but also an opportunity to uplift these communities, especially those that already face additional barriers to accessing essential healthcare resources. My future goes beyond what I personally want for myself; it focuses on creating accessible and affordable genetic healthcare options for underserved communities. Having grown up in areas with limited healthcare resources, I understand the disparities that exist. My goal is to bridge this gap by leveraging STEM to enhance accessibility to genetic counseling and healthcare services. Earning a degree in biochemistry and anthropology will help me utilize my expertise to initiate community outreach programs, establish educational initiatives, and advocate for policy changes that prioritize genetic healthcare in marginalized areas. I believe that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves to reap the benefits of a growing scientific field. Ultimately, my pursuit of a STEM career is driven by a passion for making a lasting impact on communities. To build a future where genetic healthcare is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all. This scholarship will allow me to turn this vision into reality, ensuring that my journey in genetics and anthropology directly contributes to uplifting communities in need.

Hi there! I'm Shanisha, and my passion for a career in STEM, specifically in biochemistry and anthropology, deeply stems from personal experiences. These experiences are rooted in improving communities like the one I came from. What helps me stay motivated in this field is that someday it will profit more than just myself. Until then I am stuck in the financial pit that higher education leaves most of us to dig ourselves out of. As of right now and the past five years my parents have had to support my siblings and me through college by taking out loans and working overtime. In addition to this, all of my siblings and I work part-time in addition to being a full-time student. Although my financial situation is in a constant flow of uncertainty, and as stated before, someday achieving something bigger than myself helps me get up in the morning for classes and work. My passion for biochemistry and anthropology is more than just a career choice; it's a commitment to understanding and addressing genetic health challenges. Witnessing my family members battle Alzheimer's and schizophrenia has fueled my determination to explore the blending of genetics and healthcare. These experiences have charged me with intense empathy to help out communities with people who are experiencing what I went through in my own family. Pursuing a degree in biochemistry and anthropology prepares me with the tools to approach this form of healthcare deficit in communities like mine. The "genetic healthcare" field represents not only a personal connection but also an opportunity to uplift these communities, especially those that already face additional barriers to accessing essential healthcare resources. My future goes beyond what I personally want for myself; it focuses on creating accessible and affordable genetic healthcare options for underserved communities. Having grown up in areas with limited healthcare resources, I understand the disparities that exist. My goal is to bridge this gap by leveraging STEM to enhance accessibility to genetic counseling and healthcare services. Earning a degree in biochemistry and anthropology will help me utilize my expertise to initiate community outreach programs, establish educational initiatives, and advocate for policy changes that prioritize genetic healthcare in marginalized areas. I believe that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves to reap the benefits of a growing scientific field. Ultimately, my pursuit of a STEM career is driven by a passion for making a lasting impact on communities. To build a future where genetic healthcare is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all. This scholarship will allow me to turn this vision into reality, ensuring that my journey in genetics and anthropology directly contributes to uplifting communities in need.

Eating disorders. Too much to say about them but a trait worth illustrating is that they do take over lives if intense enough. It took over my life. It got intense enough. Suddenly, every side effect of an eating disorder hits you at once. Stress, anxiety, depression, and the worst part about it was everything came falling down within a semester. There's no perfect place for where it all starts. But what I can do is start at the beginning of the end of an almost lifelong battle of mine. Long story short, I was put into a stressful situation financially AND unexpectedly at the beginning of my fall semester (2022). My university claimed to not receive loans I took out to pay for the semester. This was the first domino in my mental health collapse. Not only did I have to quit a research assistant position I recently got accepted to, I had to take on a part-time job (about 15 hours a week) while taking classes. I missed classes because I had to work more. I had to eat more because I was working more. And then I ate less. Because I knew I was gaining weight. And then I ate more. Because I was depressed I was gaining weight. I bought pills to make me less hungry or increase my metabolism. Anything to make my body bearable enough for me to keep working. The next thing I knew, it was November. Almost thanksgiving break. I locked myself in my single room, only to leave to go to work. It became a depression chamber instead of salvation from classes. I knew I had to fix this. This wasn't right. I didn’t deserve to treat my body like this. I didn’t deserve to have so many negative thoughts about myself. My family, who worked hard as a support system didn’t deserve a reality where I didn’t wake up one day because I secretly destroyed myself. I got help. I found resources to help me. Entered myself into different eating disorder recovery programs, one being a support group. I found that I was not alone in my struggles and negative/destructive thoughts. I felt like myself again. I felt like my voice mattered. Every day felt like a new day to make myself happy again. The following semester and today have only been an uphill climb in my recovery. I completed therapy in the spring. I have a social and academic life again. Not the kind where I was barely making it by, but where every day I am actively pursuing my dreams and passions. I have new friends. I even led an eating disorder support group this past summer. However, just because I completed therapy doesn't mean my mental health issues went away. Every day is a new battle to win within myself. Although it gets easier, triggers that may appear routinely are always there on my best and worst days. The absolute only thing I can do is to keep going. Keep rediscovering my passions through my major. Keep telling myself it won't always be like this, because I know it won't. Now, every day my mental health comes first. This may be in the form of taking longer on my hygiene routines and pampering myself, doing my hair, writing in my diary, crocheting, reading, or other hobbies. Ultimately, to be able to take even 30 minutes to decompress and focus on myself every day helps me remember that: tomorrow is a new day for me, so I better give her a present she’ll love.

Hi there! I'm Shanisha, and my passion for a career in STEM, specifically in biochemistry and anthropology, deeply stems from personal experiences. These experiences are rooted in improving communities like the one I came from. What helps me stay motivated in this field is that someday it will profit more than just myself. Until then I am stuck in the financial pit that higher education leaves most of us to dig ourselves out of. As of right now and the past five years my parents have had to support my siblings and me through college by taking out loans and working overtime. In addition to this, all of my siblings and I work part-time in addition to being a full-time student. Although my financial situation is in a constant flow of uncertainty, and as stated before, someday achieving something bigger than myself helps me get up in the morning for classes and work. My passion for biochemistry and anthropology is more than just a career choice; it's a commitment to understanding and addressing genetic health challenges. Witnessing my family members battle Alzheimer's and schizophrenia has fueled my determination to explore the blending of genetics and healthcare. These experiences have charged me with intense empathy to help out communities with people who are experiencing what I went through in my own family. Pursuing a degree in biochemistry and anthropology prepares me with the tools to approach this form of healthcare deficit in communities like mine. The "genetic healthcare" field represents not only a personal connection but also an opportunity to uplift these communities, especially those that already face additional barriers to accessing essential healthcare resources. My future goes beyond what I personally want for myself; it focuses on creating accessible and affordable genetic healthcare options for underserved communities. Having grown up in areas with limited healthcare resources, I understand the disparities that exist. My goal is to bridge this gap by leveraging STEM to enhance accessibility to genetic counseling and healthcare services. Earning a degree in biochemistry and anthropology will help me utilize my expertise to initiate community outreach programs, establish educational initiatives, and advocate for policy changes that prioritize genetic healthcare in marginalized areas. I believe that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves to reap the benefits of a growing scientific field. Ultimately, my pursuit of a STEM career is driven by a passion for making a lasting impact on communities. To build a future where genetic healthcare is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all. This scholarship will allow me to turn this vision into reality, ensuring that my journey in genetics and anthropology directly contributes to uplifting communities in need.

Eating disorders. Too much to say about them but a trait worth illustrating is that they do take over lives if intense enough. It took over my life. It got intense enough. Suddenly, every side effect of an eating disorder hits you at once. Stress, anxiety, depression, and the worst part about it was everything came falling down within a semester. There's no perfect place for where it all starts. But what I can do is start at the beginning of the end of an almost lifelong battle of mine. Long story short, I was put into a stressful situation financially AND unexpectedly at the beginning of my fall semester (2022). My university claimed to not receive loans I took out to pay for the semester. This was the first domino in my mental health collapse. Not only did I have to quit a research assistant position I recently got accepted to, I had to take on a part-time job (about 15 hours a week) while taking classes. I missed classes because I had to work more. I had to eat more because I was working more. And then I ate less. Because I knew I was gaining weight. And then I ate more. Because I was depressed I was gaining weight. I bought pills to make me less hungry or increase my metabolism. Anything to make my body bearable enough for me to keep working. The next thing I knew, it was November. Almost thanksgiving break. I locked myself in my single room, only to leave to go to work. It became a depression chamber instead of salvation from classes. I knew I had to fix this. This wasn't right. I didn’t deserve to treat my body like this. I didn’t deserve to have so many negative thoughts about myself. My family, who worked hard as a support system didn’t deserve a reality where I didn’t wake up one day because I secretly destroyed myself. I got help. I found resources to help me. Entered myself into different eating disorder recovery programs, one being a support group. I found that I was not alone in my struggles and negative/destructive thoughts. I felt like myself again. I felt like my voice mattered. Every day felt like a new day to make myself happy again. The following semester and today have only been an uphill climb in my recovery. I completed therapy in the spring. I have a social and academic life again. Not the kind where I was barely making it by, but where every day I am actively pursuing my dreams and passions. I have new friends. I even led an eating disorder support group this past summer. However, just because I completed therapy doesn't mean my mental health issues went away. Every day is a new battle to win within myself. Although it gets easier, triggers that may appear routinely are always there on my best and worst days. The absolute only thing I can do is to keep going. Keep rediscovering my passions through my major. Keep telling myself it won't always be like this, because I know it won't. Now, every day my mental health comes first. This may be in the form of taking longer on my hygiene routines and pampering myself, doing my hair, writing in my diary, crocheting, reading, or other hobbies. Ultimately, to be able to take even 30 minutes to decompress and focus on myself every day helps me remember that: tomorrow is a new day for me, so I better give her a present she’ll love.

Hi there! I'm Shanisha, and my passion for a career in STEM, specifically in biochemistry and anthropology, deeply stems from personal experiences. These experiences are rooted in improving communities like the one I came from. My passion for biochemistry and anthropology is more than just a career choice; it's a commitment to understanding and addressing genetic health challenges. Witnessing my family members battle Alzheimer's and schizophrenia has fueled my determination to explore the blending of genetics and healthcare. These experiences have charged me with intense empathy to help out communities with people who are experiencing what I went through in my own family. Pursuing a degree in biochemistry and anthropology prepares me with the tools to approach this form of healthcare deficit in communities like mine. The "genetic healthcare" field represents not only a personal connection but also an opportunity to uplift these communities, especially those that already face additional barriers to accessing essential healthcare resources. My future goes beyond what I personally want for myself; it focuses on creating accessible and affordable genetic healthcare options for underserved communities. Having grown up in areas with limited healthcare resources, I understand the disparities that exist. My goal is to bridge this gap by leveraging STEM to enhance accessibility to genetic counseling and healthcare services. Earning a degree in biochemistry and anthropology will help me utilize my expertise to initiate community outreach programs, establish educational initiatives, and advocate for policy changes that prioritize genetic healthcare in marginalized areas. I believe that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves to reap the benefits of a growing scientific field. Ultimately, my pursuit of a STEM career is driven by a passion for making a lasting impact on communities. To build a future where genetic healthcare is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all. This scholarship will allow me to turn this vision into reality, ensuring that my journey in genetics and anthropology directly contributes to uplifting communities in need. Along with my long-term goals that the scholarship will indirectly support me with, there are short-term goals as well. This includes not taking on more shifts for my part-time job, not having to worry about how to afford school supplies for the upcoming semester, not having to worry about how to reduce my grocery budget more than I already do, and not having to put more financial strain on myself or my family (as I have siblings in college who are also in a similar financial position as me).

Hi there! I'm Shanisha, and my passion for a career in STEM, specifically in biochemistry and anthropology, deeply stems from personal experiences. These experiences are rooted in improving communities like the one I came from. My passion for biochemistry and anthropology is more than just a career choice; it's a commitment to understanding and addressing genetic health challenges. Witnessing my family members battle Alzheimer's and schizophrenia has fueled my determination to explore the blending of genetics and healthcare. These experiences have charged me with intense empathy to help out communities with people who are experiencing what I went through in my own family. Pursuing a degree in biochemistry and anthropology prepares me with the tools to approach this form of healthcare deficit in communities like mine. The "genetic healthcare" field represents not only a personal connection but also an opportunity to uplift these communities, especially those that already face additional barriers to accessing essential healthcare resources. My future goes beyond what I personally want for myself; it focuses on creating accessible and affordable genetic healthcare options for underserved communities. Having grown up in areas with limited healthcare resources, I understand the disparities that exist. My goal is to bridge this gap by leveraging STEM to enhance accessibility to genetic counseling and healthcare services. Earning a degree in biochemistry and anthropology will help me utilize my expertise to initiate community outreach programs, establish educational initiatives, and advocate for policy changes that prioritize genetic healthcare in marginalized areas. I believe that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves to reap the benefits of a growing scientific field. This plays into the success I envision for myself as I continue to pursue these degrees. Success is not something I "hope" for, but rather something that has already been achieved in the future. I was successful in advocating for policy changes in genetic healthcare across communities. In fact, these changes will already be happening. More success in the future that is on its way is being able to fully support myself and my parents not only financially but emotionally and physically. They have been through so much to put my siblings in higher education. And I know this has already been successfully done by me in the future. Most importantly, and playing back to what was previously stated, success looks like being here and typing in this future. Being able to physically say all of these successful events have already happened regardless of the mental and financial strain I am currently experiencing. Ultimately, my pursuit of a STEM career is driven by a passion for making a lasting impact on communities. To build a future where genetic healthcare is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all. This scholarship will allow me to successfully turn this vision into reality, ensuring that my journey in genetics and anthropology directly contributes to uplifting communities in need as well support others beyond myself. More specifically, this scholarship will allow me to reduce the financial strain I am currently experiencing with the cost of living (groceries, rent, textbooks, etc).

I would watch Howl's Moving Castle by Studio Ghibli for the rest of my life if I had to choose one movie. The artistry of the movie comes first. The original artworks done by Hayao Miyazaki speak in only snapshots of the entire animated feature. The viewer is taken from an average town victim of industrialization to worlds of nature and beyond the natural world. The scenes are only bystanders to the plot. It starts with a story of a young woman who wants to change her life. Yearning for something more than making hats. And that is what sets the film, the perfect romance, and slice of fantasy life into one. Someone who has been searching for her their whole life unexpectedly comes in. In turn, they save each other. One from the burden of knowing life without unconditional love, and the other from a life searching for it. The viewer experiences the love that builds between these two characters as they learn about the different obstacles that have brought them to the very moment of genuine love. There are many movie plots out there covering the classic distant lovers trope, but an underlying reason for picking this movie is what it meant to me as I first watched it and what it still means to me as I rewatch it. It was only a cartoon until it wasn't. What does a fifth grader know about unconditional love while they eat their grapes and circle sandwiches on the floor of their fourth apartment? She only knew that what these two cartoon lovers had was sweet and genuine. What does the hopeless romantic of a college student with a pained heart wish she knew? That the movie had the same lesson written and published into eternity. That the standards created in some fiction were the realest parts about it. Maybe there isn't someone out there waiting their whole life to meet her, but on the contrary, maybe one day the right person will come along and treat her like they have been waiting their whole life to meet her. Rewatching this movie for the rest of my life means rewatching it in that cold apartment with the youth that I still had. It means rewatching it before meeting my first heartbreak. It means rewatching it after the other heart breaks. It means rewatching it to never forget what it stands for. In a fictional world full of beautiful imagery and well-written characters, the world of reality will always be filled with the potential for unconditional love that someone out there may have for you.

Hi there! I'm Shanisha, and my passion for a career in STEM, specifically in biochemistry and anthropology, deeply stems from personal experiences. These experiences are rooted in improving communities like the one I came from. What helps me stay motivated in this field is that someday it will profit more than just myself. Until then I am stuck in the financial pit that higher education leaves most of us to dig ourselves out of. As of right now and the past five years my parents have had to support my siblings and me through college by taking out loans and working overtime. In addition to this, all of my siblings and I work part-time in addition to being a full-time student. Although my financial situation is in a constant flow of uncertainty, and as stated before, someday achieving something bigger than myself helps me get up in the morning for classes and work. My passion for biochemistry and anthropology is more than just a career choice; it's a commitment to understanding and addressing genetic health challenges. Witnessing my family members battle Alzheimer's and schizophrenia has fueled my determination to explore the blending of genetics and healthcare. These experiences have charged me with intense empathy to help out communities with people who are experiencing what I went through in my own family. Pursuing a degree in biochemistry and anthropology prepares me with the tools to approach this form of healthcare deficit in communities like mine. The "genetic healthcare" field represents not only a personal connection but also an opportunity to uplift these communities, especially those that already face additional barriers to accessing essential healthcare resources. My future goes beyond what I personally want for myself; it focuses on creating accessible and affordable genetic healthcare options for underserved communities. Having grown up in areas with limited healthcare resources, I understand the disparities that exist. My goal is to bridge this gap by leveraging STEM to enhance accessibility to genetic counseling and healthcare services. Earning a degree in biochemistry and anthropology will help me utilize my expertise to initiate community outreach programs, establish educational initiatives, and advocate for policy changes that prioritize genetic healthcare in marginalized areas. I believe that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves to reap the benefits of a growing scientific field. Ultimately, my pursuit of a STEM career is driven by a passion for making a lasting impact on communities. To build a future where genetic healthcare is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all. This scholarship will allow me to turn this vision into reality, ensuring that my journey in genetics and anthropology directly contributes to uplifting communities in need. A genuine start will be taking fewer shifts at work so I can be successful with my workload as well as not worrying about grocery/living costs.

Hi there! I'm Shanisha, and my passion for a career in STEM, specifically in biochemistry and anthropology, deeply stems from personal experiences. These experiences are rooted in improving communities like the one I came from. What helps me stay motivated in this field is that someday it will profit more than just myself. Until then I am stuck in the financial pit that higher education leaves most of us to dig ourselves out of. As of right now and the past five years my parents have had to support my siblings and me through college by taking out loans and working overtime. In addition to this, all of my siblings and I work part-time in addition to being a full-time student. Although my financial situation is in a constant flow of uncertainty, and as stated before, someday achieving something bigger than myself helps me get up in the morning for classes and work. My passion for biochemistry and anthropology is more than just a career choice; it's a commitment to understanding and addressing genetic health challenges. Witnessing my family members battle Alzheimer's and schizophrenia has fueled my determination to explore the blending of genetics and healthcare. These experiences have charged me with intense empathy to help out communities with people who are experiencing what I went through in my own family. Pursuing a degree in biochemistry and anthropology prepares me with the tools to approach this form of healthcare deficit in communities like mine. The "genetic healthcare" field represents not only a personal connection but also an opportunity to uplift these communities, especially those that already face additional barriers to accessing essential healthcare resources. My future goes beyond what I personally want for myself; it focuses on creating accessible and affordable genetic healthcare options for underserved communities. Having grown up in areas with limited healthcare resources, I understand the disparities that exist. My goal is to bridge this gap by leveraging STEM to enhance accessibility to genetic counseling and healthcare services. Earning a degree in biochemistry and anthropology will help me utilize my expertise to initiate community outreach programs, establish educational initiatives, and advocate for policy changes that prioritize genetic healthcare in marginalized areas. I believe that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves to reap the benefits of a growing scientific field. Ultimately, my pursuit of a STEM career is driven by a passion for making a lasting impact on communities. To build a future where genetic healthcare is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all. This scholarship will allow me to turn this vision into reality, ensuring that my journey in genetics and anthropology directly contributes to uplifting communities in need. A genuine start will be taking fewer shifts at work so I can be successful with my workload as well as not worrying about grocery/living costs.

Hi there! I'm Shanisha, and my passion for a career in STEM, specifically in biochemistry and anthropology, deeply stems from personal experiences. These experiences are rooted in improving communities like the one I came from. What helps me stay motivated in this field is that someday it will profit more than just myself. Until then I am stuck in the financial pit that higher education leaves most of us to dig ourselves out of. As of right now and the past five years my parents have had to support my siblings and me through college by taking out loans and working overtime. In addition to this, all of my siblings and I work part-time in addition to being a full-time student. Although my financial situation is in a constant flow of uncertainty, and as stated before, someday achieving something bigger than myself helps me get up in the morning for classes and work. My passion for biochemistry and anthropology is more than just a career choice; it's a commitment to understanding and addressing genetic health challenges. Witnessing my family members battle Alzheimer's and schizophrenia has fueled my determination to explore the blending of genetics and healthcare. These experiences have charged me with intense empathy to help out communities with people who are experiencing what I went through in my own family. Pursuing a degree in biochemistry and anthropology prepares me with the tools to approach this form of healthcare deficit in communities like mine. The "genetic healthcare" field represents not only a personal connection but also an opportunity to uplift these communities, especially those that already face additional barriers to accessing essential healthcare resources. My future goes beyond what I personally want for myself; it focuses on creating accessible and affordable genetic healthcare options for underserved communities. Having grown up in areas with limited healthcare resources, I understand the disparities that exist. My goal is to bridge this gap by leveraging STEM to enhance accessibility to genetic counseling and healthcare services. Earning a degree in biochemistry and anthropology will help me utilize my expertise to initiate community outreach programs, establish educational initiatives, and advocate for policy changes that prioritize genetic healthcare in marginalized areas. I believe that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves to reap the benefits of a growing scientific field. Ultimately, my pursuit of a STEM career is driven by a passion for making a lasting impact on communities. To build a future where genetic healthcare is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all. This scholarship will allow me to turn this vision into reality, ensuring that my journey in genetics and anthropology directly contributes to uplifting communities in need.

Hi there! I'm Shanisha, and my passion for a career in STEM, specifically in biochemistry and anthropology, deeply stems from personal experiences. These experiences are rooted in improving communities like the one I came from. What helps me stay motivated in this field is that someday it will profit more than just myself. Until then I am stuck in the financial pit that higher education leaves most of us to dig ourselves out of. As of right now and the past five years my parents have had to support my siblings and me through college by taking out loans and working overtime. In addition to this, all of my siblings and I work part-time in addition to being a full-time student. Although my financial situation is in a constant flow of uncertainty, and as stated before, someday achieving something bigger than myself helps me get up in the morning for classes and work. My passion for biochemistry and anthropology is more than just a career choice; it's a commitment to understanding and addressing genetic health challenges. Witnessing my family members battle Alzheimer's and schizophrenia has fueled my determination to explore the blending of genetics and healthcare. These experiences have charged me with intense empathy to help out communities with people who are experiencing what I went through in my own family. Pursuing a degree in biochemistry and anthropology prepares me with the tools to approach this form of healthcare deficit in communities like mine. The "genetic healthcare" field represents not only a personal connection but also an opportunity to uplift these communities, especially those that already face additional barriers to accessing essential healthcare resources. My future goes beyond what I personally want for myself; it focuses on creating accessible and affordable genetic healthcare options for underserved communities. Having grown up in areas with limited healthcare resources, I understand the disparities that exist. My goal is to bridge this gap by leveraging STEM to enhance accessibility to genetic counseling and healthcare services. Earning a degree in biochemistry and anthropology will help me utilize my expertise to initiate community outreach programs, establish educational initiatives, and advocate for policy changes that prioritize genetic healthcare in marginalized areas. I believe that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves to reap the benefits of a growing scientific field. Ultimately, my pursuit of a STEM career is driven by a passion for making a lasting impact on communities. To build a future where genetic healthcare is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all. This scholarship will allow me to turn this vision into reality, ensuring that my journey in genetics and anthropology directly contributes to uplifting communities in need.

My greatest achievement to date is still being in my undergrad program despite all of the drawbacks I have endured. Although there are the natural obstacles of navigating a new school hours away from home, unfortunately, this wasn't the only one I had to endure. This mainly includes having an eating disorder, going to therapy for it (and all of the mental health side effects such as anxiety and depression), surviving an abusive relationship, and working a part-time job. Despite these experiences being negative, overcoming them has been my biggest achievement by far, and possibly the biggest one of my life. These experiences have taught me that I am truly self-determined and self-motivated no matter who or what undervalues me. Whether that be a bad grade for a course, my eating disorder empowering negative thoughts, or an abusive partner who has discouraged me. The mantras of "I can keep going," "It will get better," and "There is calm after the storm" serve as my guiding lights, sustaining me through the rigors of work shifts, demanding lab reports, and emotionally taxing days. With each hurdle overcome, I reinforce my belief in my ability to overcome adversity and emerge stronger on the other side. Another mindset that keeps me going is that in the future, there is no “hope of achieving.” It already has been achieved. In the future, I am an average homeowner. I have a stable job researching ethics in biochemical research practices while performing my own research. I am debt-free or paying off the final payments for my student loans. I don't have a part-time job. I run a scholarship fund for young adults who were once in my position. I help my parents around the house. I have a cat and dog to take care of. And so much more. In the future, I know everything that I have experienced and endured will have led me to more tangible and larger achievements. That the long nights after studying and writing were worth it. That the long calls of gaslighting and contemplating my value was worth it. That standing for hours multiple times a week for minimum wage was worth it. That the therapy telling me I deserved to be successful was worth it. That in the future, if there is anything that I truly hope to still achieve, is that I can sit down someday, look around the room, and know everything. was. worth it.

A difference between walking down the street to your local urgent care and walking out with your genetic profile, having a better understanding of your genetic health, and NOT walking out with that information, is me and about ten years. Hi, I am Shanisha. I aspire to be in the genetic counseling/healthcare field by pursuing a biochemistry & anthropology bachelor's in science. There is a "/" between the "counseling" and "healthcare" because one is a subtopic of the other. If I could, I would major in "genetic healthcare" but there is so much weight to that word that I respect the impossibility of it being its own major (for now at least). So...what does it mean? Where is this "weight" when someone mentions "genetic healthcare?" If you were expecting a finite definition, I'm sorry that I don't have it. What I do have, is an experience of what it means. Just like any word with connotation, you can almost see a picture or color on top of it. Saying "meadow" might cause you to think of a grassy plain with an orange sunset in the background. For me, thinking of "genetic healthcare" takes me back to Christmas as a teenager visiting my father's father as well as my mother's grandmother. Both lived for a couple of decades, surrounded by people who loved and cherished them. However, along with the cherishing and loving came pitying and sympathizing. Unfortunately, both suffered from Alzheimer's, and my great-grandmother also had schizophrenia. My family was destined to see both of our loved elders disappear, even while they were still alive. Sure, my grandfather and great-grandmother walked, talked, laughed, and cried. Towards the end though, it felt like that was all they could do since they eventually felt like they were surrounded by strangers (except the few family members they'd occasionally remember). That's the "genetic" part of "genetic" healthcare that I see. The healthcare part was not the hospitals visited to see my family members on their deathbeds, wondering if they still knew who I was. The healthcare part was the occasional wondering if "could they have been diagnosed sooner?" The healthcare part was frantically making an ancestry account to see if it ran in our family. The healthcare part was asking my ninth-grade biology teacher if Alzheimer's and schizophrenia were genetic after class. The healthcare part was my parents explaining the inconvenience of scheduling genetic counseling and getting tested was “too expensive” and “not covered in our insurance.” The healthcare part was and still is me pursuing a field in genetics because somehow understanding the diseases now would give the diagnosis my great-grandmother and grandfather didn't get to have. The healthcare part still is all of that. But, it could change for me and many other people. Change from “could they have been diagnosed sooner” to walking out from a clinic with a diagnosis. Change from being “too expensive” to “yes, it is covered under our insurance.” And so much more. That was the idea that clicked in my head all those years ago. Accessibility of genetic healthcare in impoverished or isolated communities. I grew up watching these communities slowly get more urgent care clinics. These clinics, however, popped up slowly over time compared to better-off communities. What about the nearest emergency room or in this case, the closest genetic counselor/clinic? All communities, whether it be the Mardu in Australia or the towns where I grew up, deserve affordable and accessible genetic health care. Scholarships help me make that change happen by affording classes and not picking up extra shifts at work throughout the semester.

Eating disorders. Too much to say about them but a trait worth illustrating is that they do take over lives if intense enough. It took over my life. It got intense enough. Suddenly, every side effect of an eating disorder hits you at once. Stress, anxiety, depression, and the worst part about it was everything came falling down within a semester. There's no perfect place for where it all starts. But what I can do is give some insight into the beginning of the end of an almost lifelong battle of mine. Long story short, I was put into a stressful situation financially AND unexpectedly at the beginning of my fall semester (2022). I had to take on a job while taking classes. I missed classes because I had to work more. I had to eat more because I was working more. And then I ate less. Because I knew I was gaining weight. And then I ate more. Because I was depressed I was gaining weight. I bought supplements so my body didn't crash on me. I knew that wasn't living though. Locking myself in my dorm all day, refusing to eat and only leaving to go to work. I knew I had to fix this. This wasn't right. I didn’t deserve to treat my body like this. I didn’t deserve to have so many negative thoughts about myself. My family, who worked hard as a support system didn’t deserve a reality where I didn’t wake up one day because I secretly destroyed myself. I got help. I found resources to help me. Entered myself into different eating disorder recovery programs, one being a support group. Every day felt like a new day to make myself happy again. I was able to once again live the academic and social life I strived for. What I learned from my group therapy was: that I deserve to exist, excel, breathe the same air as others, owe it to myself to be happy with the decisions in my life, and be honest with myself. The following semester and today have only been an uphill climb in my recovery. I completed therapy in the spring. Every day I am actively pursuing my dreams and passions in the healthcare and research field. I'm a student double majoring in biochemistry and bioanthropology degree. Simply put, one part of my degree helps me understand how genes work while the helps me understand how different subtopics in genetics relate to different cultures and communities. Sure, there are many well-known genetic diseases - Down syndrome, sickle cell anemia, and many cancers- that are easily diagnosable. However, what about research for commonly known disorders? Or more importantly, what about accessibility to finding out this information about oneself? Questions like those are a few of the many keys to pursuing my goals and dreams. More importantly, adversity, such as conquering health disorders and mental health, allows me to be not only humble as I pursue my goals but also well-grounded. Belief and faith in myself that I can get through anything and that things will be ok after all.

Hi, I am Shanisha. I aspire to be in the genetic counseling/healthcare field by pursuing a biochemistry & anthropology bachelor's in science. There is a "/" between the "counseling" and "healthcare" because one is a subtopic of the other. If I could, I would major in "genetic healthcare" but there is so much weight to that word that I respect the impossibility of it being its own major (for now at least). So...what does it mean? Where is this "weight" when someone mentions "genetic healthcare?" If you were expecting a finite definition, I'm sorry that I don't have it. What I do have, is an experience of what it means. Just like any word with connotation, you can almost see a picture or color on top of it. Saying "meadow" might cause you to think of a grassy plain with an orange sunset in the background. For me, thinking of "genetic healthcare" takes me back to Christmas as a teenager visiting my father's father as well as my mother's grandmother. Both lived for a couple of decades, surrounded by people who loved and cherished them. However, along with the cherishing and loving came pitying and sympathizing. Unfortunately, both suffered from Alzheimer's, and my great-grandmother also had schizophrenia. My family was destined to see both of our loved elders disappear, even while they were still alive. Sure, my grandfather and great-grandmother walked, talked, laughed, and cried. Towards the end though, it felt like that was all they could do since they eventually felt like they were surrounded by strangers (except the few family members they'd occasionally remember). The "healthcare" part was not the hospitals visited to see my family members on their deathbeds, wondering if they still knew who I was. The healthcare part was the occasional wondering if "could they have been diagnosed sooner?" The healthcare part was frantically making an ancestry account to see if it ran in our family. The healthcare part was asking my ninth-grade biology teacher if Alzheimer's and schizophrenia were genetic after class. The healthcare part was my parents explaining the inconvenience of scheduling genetic counseling and getting tested was “too expensive” and “not covered in our insurance.” The healthcare part was and still is me pursuing a field in genetics because somehow understanding the diseases now would give the diagnosis my great-grandmother and grandfather didn't get to have. The healthcare part still is all of that. But, it could change for me and many other people. Change from “could they have been diagnosed sooner” to walking out from a clinic with a diagnosis. Change from being “too expensive” to “yes, it is covered under our insurance.” And so much more. That was the idea that clicked in my head all those years ago. Accessibility of genetic healthcare in impoverished or isolated communities. Earning a degree in biochemistry and anthropology will help me utilize my expertise to initiate community outreach programs, establish educational initiatives, and advocate for policy changes that prioritize genetic healthcare in marginalized areas. I believe that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves to reap the benefits of a growing scientific field. Ultimately, my pursuit of a STEM career is driven by a passion for making a lasting impact on communities. To build a future where genetic healthcare is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all. This scholarship will allow me to turn this vision into reality, ensuring that my journey in genetics and anthropology directly contributes to uplifting communities in need.

A gut punch. A gut punch is what it initially feels like to have any type of praise given to my generation. What do you mean we'll be the “Greatest Generation 2.0?” You just listed all of the reasons why we should all cower under our beds for the next couple of years until the adults fix this… and then we cry while cowering because we realize we’re the adults, WE have to fix this. But… something everyone in my generation has in common will make us all collectively come out from under the covers, put on our adult pants (no skinny jeans of course, maybe some khakis if they’re trending), and face the world head-on. What is this “thing” we all have in common? Absolutely zero sense of danger and an unbreakable human spirit. Rephrased professionally, we are all very brave and self-determined despite the situations that are handed to us. I mean, we’re the generation that ate tide pods and our gene pool was funneled to get us here after our parents went through their own recession in 2008. So facing worldwide economic collapse is quite literally inherited for us. Seriously though, we are all very brave and self-determined. The dark side of how Gen-Z was raised and brought up in the world hides in the umbra of what we are today. Many of us are not here because we are the generation who decided to unapologetically be ourselves. Being ourselves loud and proud in front of the world began with being ourselves, loud and proud, in front of our parents. In front of parents who were either really accepting of this, neutral, or downright kicked us out into the abyss that the U.S. was. We bonded over being ourselves in school, sports clubs, or any other social setting other than home. The collective comfort of knowing we were not alone kept us all going. And it is this collective, our generation, my generation, that started the beginning of the end of many stigmas in America’s society. Our pain, frustration, impatience, annoyance, internal passion for success and being ourselves, combined with some TikTok humor is why we are still here and excited to be a part of life! It was like we were so loud and obnoxious about the world around us, that society HAD to adjust to us. Our Berlin walls were tearing down mental, emotional, and physical health stigmas. People can openly talk about their identities, sexualities, mental health, and physical ailments without being paraded around or bullied for it. Every day is a new day for us to continue to insight into these changes in stigmas. We also advocate more for fair wages, participate in strikes or protests, quietly quit terrible jobs, make fun of politicians, and so much more. The best part, and arguably the scariest part about all of this is that this is only the beginning, literally and metaphorically. We are so young and so much change has already happened that any issue in the future is one our generation will fix head-on. That includes all of the terrible insurance rates, healthcare systems, employment rates, world economy, Elon Musk, and student loans, the list feels infinite. But it isn’t, we know that the burdened list of responsibilities left for us isn’t infinite, and that is another huge reason why we can continue to keep going. That excitement for life is the excitement of completing that list. I love my generation, and I’m unapologetically myself every day, even when my parents have mixed feelings about it. My unbreakable human spirit and self-determination allow me to follow my passions. Specifically, my passion to change the healthcare world. I'm a student double majoring in biochemistry and bioanthropology degree. Simply put, one part of my degree helps me understand how genes work while the helps me understand how different subtopics in genetics relate to different cultures and communities. Sure, there are many well-known genetic diseases that are easily diagnosable. However, what about research for commonly known disorders? Or more importantly, what about accessibility to finding out this information about oneself? That was the idea that clicked in my head all those years ago when I first started pursuing my passion in high school. Accessibility of genetic healthcare in impoverished or isolated communities. I grew up watching these communities slowly get more urgent care clinics. These clinics, however, popped up slowly over time compared to better-off communities. What about the nearest emergency room or in this case, the closest genetic counselor/clinic? All communities, whether it be the Mardu in Australia or the towns where I grew up, deserve affordable and accessible genetic health care. My plan is to help make that happen. Positively impact the health of all types of communities one at a time. So yeah… at first when reading the Ode To Millennials-GenZ, my gut hurts when there is praise given to our generation. However, it is immediately flushed out with overwhelming pride, bravery, and gas thrown onto the flame that we are. At the end of the day when I think about worldwide economic collapse and student loans, I panic a bit but remember it’ll be ok. Because I know that if we’re here today panicking, we’ll be there tomorrow making change.

A difference between walking down the street to your local urgent care and walking out with your genetic profile, having a better understanding of your genetic health, and NOT walking out with that information, is me and about ten years. Hi, I am Shanisha. I aspire to be in the genetic counseling/healthcare field by pursuing a biochemistry & anthropology bachelor's in science. There is a "/" between the "counseling" and "healthcare" because one is a subtopic of the other. If I could, I would major in "genetic healthcare" but there is so much weight to that word that I respect the impossibility of it being its own major (for now at least). So...what does it mean? Where is this "weight" when someone mentions "genetic healthcare?" If you were expecting a finite definition, I'm sorry that I don't have it. What I do have, is an experience of what it means. Just like any word with connotation, you can almost see a picture or color on top of it. Saying "meadow" might cause you to think of a grassy plain with an orange sunset in the background. For me, thinking of "genetic healthcare" takes me back to Christmas as a teenager visiting my father's father as well as my mother's grandmother. Both lived for a couple of decades, surrounded by people who loved and cherished them. However, along with the cherishing and loving came pitying and sympathizing. Unfortunately, both suffered from Alzheimer's, and my great-grandmother also had schizophrenia. My family was destined to see both of our loved elders disappear, even while they were still alive. Sure, my grandfather and great-grandmother walked, talked, laughed, and cried. Towards the end though, it felt like that was all they could do since they eventually felt like they were surrounded by strangers (except the few family members they'd occasionally remember). That's the "genetic" part of "genetic" healthcare that I see. The healthcare part was not the hospitals visited to see my family members on their deathbeds, wondering if they still knew who I was. The healthcare part was the occasional wondering if "could they have been diagnosed sooner?" The healthcare part was frantically making an ancestry account to see if it ran in our family. The healthcare part was asking my ninth-grade biology teacher if Alzheimer's and schizophrenia were genetic after class. The healthcare part was my parents explaining the inconvenience of scheduling genetic counseling and getting tested was “too expensive” and “not covered in our insurance.” The healthcare part was and still is me pursuing a field in genetics because somehow understanding the diseases now would give the diagnosis my great-grandmother and grandfather didn't get to have. The healthcare part still is all of that. But, it could change for me and many other people. Change from “could they have been diagnosed sooner” to walking out from a clinic with a diagnosis. Change from being “too expensive” to “yeah, it is covered under our insurance.” And so much more. That was the idea that clicked in my head all those years ago. Accessibility of genetic healthcare in impoverished or isolated communities. I grew up watching these communities slowly get more urgent care clinics. These clinics, however, popped up slowly over time compared to better-off communities. What about the nearest emergency room or in this case, the closest genetic counselor/clinic? All communities, whether it be the Mardu in Australia or the towns where I grew up, deserve affordable and accessible genetic health care. My plan is to help make that happen. Positively change the health of all types of communities one at a time.

One of the most underrated symptoms of mental health, that I think will never get enough emphasis, is that sometimes the most quiet people have the loudest battles. Whether it be with ourselves, other people, or both. I was both for my battle. Eating disorders. Too much to say about them but a trait worth illustrating is that they do take over lives if intense enough. It took over my life. It got intense enough. Suddenly, every side effect of an eating disorder hits you at once. Stress, anxiety, depression, and the worst part about it was everything came falling down within a semester. There's no perfect place for where it all starts. But what I can do is start at the beginning of the end of an almost lifelong battle of mine. “This semester is going to be the one,” I told myself. Little did I know it was going to be the worst semester I’ve ever had in my life. It started with an email saying I still owed money to my school even though my loans went through. An error I hid from my parents because I thought it was my fault. I decided to get a job in order to pay the balance. I also took on an RA position in a lab. However, thanks to my pride, before I knew it, I was missing class and lab meetings because I was tired from work. I worked more because I had to pay off the debt to the school. I ate more because I was working long shifts. And then I ate less. Because I knew I was gaining weight. And then I ate more. Because I was depressed I was gaining weight. And I couldn't tell my parents because they'd look down on me for not being okay. Especially after they told me before they didn't believe that I had an eating disorder years ago. And I couldn't tell friends because I'd thought they'd leave me. And no way I could admit myself to an institution because it'd cost money and I've had friends go through horrible mental health facilities. I bought pills to make me less hungry or increase my metabolism. Anything to make my body bearable enough for me to keep working. The next thing I knew, it was November. Almost thanksgiving break. I had left my lab, and locked myself in my single room, only to leave to go to work. It became a depression chamber instead of salvation from classes. I knew I had to fix this. This wasn't right. I didn’t deserve to treat my body like this. I didn’t deserve to have so many negative thoughts about myself. My family, who worked hard as a support system didn’t deserve a reality where I didn’t wake up one day because I secretly destroyed myself. I got help. I found resources to help me. Entered myself into different eating disorder recovery programs, one being a support group. I was not alone in my struggles and negative/destructive thoughts. I felt like myself again. I felt like my voice mattered. Every day felt like a new day to make myself happy again. I was able to once again live the academic and social life I strived for. The following semester and today have only been an uphill climb in my recovery. I completed therapy in the spring. I have a social and academic life again. Not the kind where I was barely making it by, but where every day I am actively pursuing my dreams and passions to become a genetic counselor and researcher. I have new friends. I even led an eating disorder support group this past summer. Most importantly out of all of these improvements, I was more open about my mental health progress with my friends and family by starting dialogues and providing an accepting environment for them to talk about their own mental health problems. However, what I learned from my group therapy are lessons and phrases I’ll apply to my life almost every day. These phrases and lessons include: I deserve to exist, excel, breathe the same air as others, owe it to myself to be happy with the decisions in my life, and be honest with myself. Although the battle of overcoming mental health issues is ongoing, I win it every day. I practice keeping a mental balance by having self-care days, crocheting, cooking for myself, and remembering that: tomorrow is a new day for me, so I better give her a present she’ll love.

Eating disorders. Too much to say about them but a trait worth illustrating is that they do take over lives if intense enough. It took over my life. It got intense enough. Suddenly, every side effect of an eating disorder hits you at once. Stress, anxiety, depression, and the worst part about it was everything came falling down within a semester. There's no perfect place for where it all starts. But what I can do is start at the beginning of the end of an almost lifelong battle of mine. Long story short, I was put into a stressful situation financially AND unexpectedly at the beginning of my fall semester (2022). I had to take on a job while taking classes. I missed classes because I had to work more. I had to eat more because I was working more. And then I ate less. Because I knew I was gaining weight. And then I ate more. Because I was depressed I was gaining weight. And I couldn't tell my parents because they'd look down on me for not being okay. Especially after they told me before they didn't believe that I had an eating disorder years ago. And I couldn't tell friends because I'd thought they'd leave me. And no way I could admit myself to an institution because it'd cost money and I've had friends go through horrible mental health facilities. I bought pills to make me less hungry or increase my metabolism. Anything to make my body bearable enough for me to keep working. The next thing I knew, it was November. Almost thanksgiving break. I locked myself in my single room, only to leave to go to work. It became a depression chamber instead of salvation from classes. I knew I had to fix this. This wasn't right. I didn’t deserve to treat my body like this. I didn’t deserve to have so many negative thoughts about myself. My family, who worked hard as a support system didn’t deserve a reality where I didn’t wake up one day because I secretly destroyed myself. I got help. I found resources to help me. Entered myself into different eating disorder recovery programs, one being a support group. I found that I was not alone in my struggles and negative/destructive thoughts. I felt like myself again. I felt like my voice mattered. Every day felt like a new day to make myself happy again. I was able to once again live the academic and social life I strived for. What I learned from my group therapy was that: I deserve to exist, excel, breathe the same air as others, owe it to myself to be happy with the decisions in my life, and be honest with myself. I deserve to have a loving support system that believes and sympathizes with my pain. This applies to every. single. human being walking this beloved earth. The following semester and today have only been an uphill climb in my recovery. I completed therapy in the spring. I have a social and academic life again. Not the kind where I was barely making it by, but where every day I am actively pursuing my dreams and passions. Having better grades. Having new friends. I even led an eating disorder support group this past summer. Ultimately, there were corners, some literally, that I crawled to because I thought that I was alone or I'd be judged for reaching out. Now, every day I remember that: tomorrow is a new day for me, so I better give her a present she’ll love.

@nisha_ahhh

Human evolution can be redefined for its purpose in life with any other creature on this planet: eat, sleep, procreate, repeat. However, humans are not just ‘any other creature.’ Part of what sets us apart is how we communicate with one another. Cool, we can communicate… so what? Other hominids like chimpanzees or gorillas can communicate too. Some even use sign language and establish patriarchies/matriarchies. So… what really separates us from our furry ancestral primates? Altruism. Altruism can be simply defined as helping out others without the expectation of one’s own benefit of helping another person. Another way of saying it is being selfless without expecting personal gain in return. However, just like any other word it is as well defined as the actions that go along with it. A small example of this could be helping out an elderly person with an errand purely because they need help. A bigger example, as done by Dr. Lane, helping in relief efforts after a hurricane. Enough about what being altruistic does for the person doing the action. What does it do for people on the receiving end? Allow me to give you a medium example of how I practice altruism in my life. Eating disorders. Too much to say about them but they do take over lives if intense enough. It took over my life because my eating disorder got intense enough. Every day was a battle with my mental health. However, thanks to therapy and the good graces of those around me, I was able to survive through it. That was almost a year ago. Today, I celebrate my survival and triumph by guiding and participating in an eating disorder support group. What does this have to do with me being altruistic? If you have not been at the rock bottom of your life, it is truly the singular experience of being alone. Alone until there is another hand to help you up. A hand that belongs to a fellow human, who sees another human at rock bottom. Being on the receiving end of Altruism is having a light shone on you because another person has empathy for you. That is why it is important to help others. Not to be some savior and feel good about yourself. It is important because it is a major part of what makes us human. Helping out another human we see that may be going through a rough time, no matter how rough life may be for them. Whether it be the elderly struggling with housework, starting an eating disorder support group, or helping in relief efforts for hurricanes.

I am a Black American. That is what defines me. Along with two separate households, one being less visited over time, apartments here and there, and many muffled late-night arguments as I fell asleep. Some cigarette-smokey birthday hugs to frame it all. Covered in the glaze of who I am today. I was once a writer at the age of 9. If you’d asked her what her dream was she’d eagerly respond “to publish twenty books before 18!” Of course, I did that, if you count glued and folded printer paper that had paragraphs written with colored pencils as ‘published.’ Were the dreams big and defined? Maybe not as defined back then but today the elementary schooler who wanted to be an author would not be able to fathom that her dreams today wrap around the world hundreds of times. But she could feel it. She felt more than she knew. High school was when my passion for academia and the deeply felt sympathy and empathy I had for others combined were finalized. Basic biology class in ninth grade was where all of my thoughts leveled into a completed puzzle. The very moment my teacher said, “A gene is the unit for hereditary information.” I was hooked. There was a code and explanation to what makes a human…human! All of the different shapes and ways we looked were due to a definable unit. In addition to this, the events of my senior year were what gave this puzzle its package. Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia. Both suspected genetic disorders. Both took away my great-grandmother on my mother's side and my grandfather on my dad's side by the time I graduated high school. So many questions and worries. Especially since it ran on my paternal and maternal side. The most important of these questions are “What about my parents” and “How can we find out more?” I guess that begs the question then: what am I, a student double majoring in a biochemistry and bioanthropology degree, doing here? To keep it simple, one part of my degree helps me understand how genes work while the other degree helps me understand how different subtopics in genetics relate to different cultures and communities. Sure, there are many well-known genetic diseases - Down syndrome, sickle cell anemia, and many cancers- that are easily diagnosable. However, what about research for commonly known disorders? Or more importantly, what about accessibility to finding out this information about oneself? That was the idea that clicked in my head all those years ago. Accessibility of genetic healthcare in impoverished or isolated communities. I grew up watching these communities slowly get more urgent care clinics. These clinics, however, popped up slowly over time compared to better-off communities. What about the nearest emergency room or in this case, the closest genetic counselor/clinic? All communities, whether it be the Mardu in Australia or the towns where I grew up, deserve affordable and accessible genetic health care. My plan is to help make that happen. Improve the health of a community one at a time. Improve the world one community at a time. What am I doing now about it? About any of it? Studying, getting good grades, and joining as many research teams as I can. Finding those with a similar mindset who are also for integrating more genetic healthcare into communities. More accessible and affordable genetic healthcare in all types of communities. In whatever form they can be in. And maybe one day I’ll find myself writing and gifting a patient’s genetic information instead of glued printer papers scribbled with colored pencils.

The dream version of my future self sees patients every day in her office, helping them go through their best and worst days, all while increasing the love she has for healthcare with each visit.

Changing the world does not take one person, but it does take the same mindset of many people. For healthcare, I am one of many people who want to change the world. And knows she will one day. Hi, my name is Shanisha. I aspire to be in the genetic counseling/healthcare field by pursuing a biochemistry & anthropology bachelor's in science. There is a "/" between the "counseling" and "healthcare" because one is a subtopic of the other. If I could, I would major in "genetic healthcare" but there is so much weight to that word that I respect the impossibility of it being its own major (for now at least). So...what does it mean? Where is this "weight" when someone mentions "genetic healthcare?" If you were expecting a finite definition, I'm sorry that I don't have it. What I do have, is an experience of what it means. Just like any word with connotation, you can almost see a picture or color on top of it. Saying "meadow" might cause you to think of a grassy plain with an orange sunset in the background. For me, thinking of "genetic healthcare" takes me back to Christmas as a teenager visiting my father's father as well as my mother's grandmother. Both lived for a couple of decades, surrounded by people who loved and cherished them. However, along with the cherishing and loving came pitying and sympathizing. Unfortunately, both suffered from Alzheimer's, and my great-grandmother also had schizophrenia. My family was destined to see both of our loved elders disappear, even while they were still alive. Sure, my grandfather and great-grandmother walked, talked, laughed, and cried. Towards the end though, it felt like that was all they could do since they eventually felt like they were surrounded by strangers (except the few family members they'd occasionally remember). Unfortunately, my story is not unique since there are other families who have experienced or are experiencing the same situation. Watching their loved one(s) personality slowly disappear faster than their physical body. It's not 100% known if Alzheimer's and schizophrenia are passed down, but there are strong familial patterns and research spanning over decades that support the speculations. That's the "genetic" part of "genetic" healthcare that I see. The healthcare part was not the hospitals visited to see my family members on their deathbeds, wondering if they still knew who I was. The healthcare part was the occasional wondering if "could they have been diagnosed sooner?" The healthcare part was frantically making an ancestry account to see if it ran in our family. The healthcare part was asking my ninth-grade biology teacher if Alzheimer's and schizophrenia were genetic after class. The healthcare part was my parents explaining the inconvenience of scheduling genetic counseling and getting tested was “too expensive” and “not covered in our insurance.” The healthcare part was and still is me pursuing a field in genetics because somehow understanding the diseases now would give the diagnosis my great-grandmother and grandfather didn't get to have. The healthcare part still is all of that. But, it could change for me and many other people. Change from “could they have been diagnosed sooner” to walking out from a clinic with a diagnosis. Change from being “too expensive” to “yeah, it is covered under our insurance.” And so much more. I am at the beginning of my career, but this scholarship could help me afford a class for my degrees. One step of many towards redefining "genetic healthcare" for the general public. Maybe even help a kid understand why their family member forgot their name at Christmas.